Director of education undecided about Friday classes

Director of education undecided about Friday classes

Halton District School Board Director of Education David Euale said he’s still waiting to before making the final decision on whether schools will be open or closed Friday in the event of a labour disruption by teachers.

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However, the likelihood of elementary schools being open on Friday is unlikely.

“We are considering it, but I think the chances are slim to none,” Euale said Thursday at approximately 2 p.m. “We would have to get notification like half an hour ago in order to put the things in place, and I hear, through the grapevine, that this matter will not be dealt with till 3.”

The Ontario Labour Relations Board is holding a hearing at that time where the teachers union – Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario – and the Province will learn whether the educators planned protest is legal or not.

Euale said if a resolution from the Labour Relations Board doesn’t come until the evening, he doubts the board would be able to alter its plans of closing the schools, should the board side with the Province.

“Even then, we won’t be assured of whether teachers will comply,” Euale added. “We’re also not sure of the decision. The decision may be to support the teachers in this protest or the decision may be to go against the teachers in this protest.”

He admitted the board’s ability to guarantee student supervision is low.

“But we’re keeping our ear to the ground. If something changes, we’ll get it out, but so far I would doubt there’s going to be a change,” he said.